Not a Skier? Here’s Your Week in Paradise

Many skiers learn about Ski Paradise through word-of-mouth. You may have friends or neighbors who came home from their week in paradise raving about the skiing, but what if you aren’t a skier? You probably want to know what’s in store for you.

When you arrive at Acapulco International Airport–a small airport with just two luggage carousels that’s easy to navigate–one of our drivers will be standing in the exit hallway, ready to bring you to Villa Aquina in a suburban. It’s about a 20 minute drive.

We can stop at the market on the way in if you like. Selecto is a superstore that sells just about anything you could need or want for your vacation: they have a complete selection of wine, beer and liquor, an extensive grocery store if you want snacks, toiletries including sunblock, and clothing–in case you forgot something or want some Acapulco souvenirs. You can pay with pesos or use any credit card. We encourage you to purchase the alcohol you want for the week, as we serve coffee, fresh juice, and spring water with meals. When you arrive at the villa, our staff will label and store your bottles at our rooftop bar.

Saturday is a free day. You can settle into your room and unpack, and there’s plenty of room in your walk-in closet to hang clothes or stow them in drawers. The interiors are tropical modern, and beds and sofas are very comfortable. Each room has a television and Sonos speaker. You can create your own playlist and stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth.

A guest room at Villa Aquina

However, you’ll likely spend little time in your room as the rooftop deck is the favorite spot for socializing and relaxing. An infinity pool, hot tub, pool bar, deck bar and outdoor living room all provide incredible views of the ocean.

The patio and pool at Villa Aquina

Sunday is the first ski day. If you don’t ski, you can accompany other guests to the lake, departing at either 7:15 a.m. or at 8:15 a.m. if you prefer to enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room before you go. Breakfast begins with large platters of assorted fresh, tropical fruit, such as pineapple, melon, papaya, and mango. Whole wheat toast, butter, and jam are followed by Mexican breakfast casseroles. Many of our guests fall in love with these dishes and use our recipes once they return home.

The dining room at Villa Aquina, bathed in early morning sunlight

During the day, you can hang out with the skiers at Coconut Lagoon, or ask to be dropped off at Tres Vidas Country Club. Both destinations are about 25 minutes from Villa Aquina.

At the lake, there’s a large palapa outfitted with mosquito screens and deep sofa seating. We also have a sun deck with chaise lounges if you want to work on your tan. A freshly prepared lunch is served under the palapa in early afternoon, and guests continue to ski until about 2 p.m. If you haven’t water skied before, this is a great place to learn.

The palapa at Coconut Lagoon

We keep extra ski equipment in the palapa, so if you decide you want to try skiing, you can! It’s a low-pressure environment with coaches who are friendly, knowledgeable, and hands-on. The brackish lake is surrounded by trees to diffuse the ocean breezes, ensuring glassy water every morning. Many of our guests count their sets on Coconut Lagoon among the best of their life. Because of the perfect conditions, it’s a great place for beginners of all ages.

The country club is exquisite. Cool off in the large, oval, crystalline pool and listen to the ocean waves crash against the adjacent shoreline. Enjoy poolside dining, excellent margaritas, spa services, and walks on the beach.

The beachside pool at Tres Vidas

Text a friend or family member–or call the palapa phone–if you want a Suburban to pick you up on the way back to Villa Aquina. If you wish to stay longer, the country club staff can call a taxi for you.

Back at Villa Aquina, experience an afternoon of swimming, relaxing, or napping. There is plenty of seating around the pool, a game room with a pool table and foosball, and a shaded outdoor fitness area. We also have a ping pong table. Ask the staff to make a batch of fresh guacamole for you, or to mix your drinks at the bar.

Playing in the pool at Villa Aquina

An extraordinary dinner is served around 7 p.m. Our kitchen staff prepares all meals with fresh, healthy ingredients, and mealtime always exceeds expectations! The intimate gathering of guests around the dinner table fosters great conversations and new friendships. The dining room has a direct view of the ocean, which is sublime at sunset.

Guest at dinner in the communal dining room

We follow a similar schedule each week from Sunday through Friday. On Wednesday night, we go out to dinner, and there are several restaurants nearby that our guests love as much as we do. Because we’re situated on a mountain, the restaurants are cliffside with ocean views. For those who want more adventure, we can take you to see Acapulco’s famous cliff divers later in the evening.

Acapulco is also home to Fórum de Mundo Imperial where you can see world-class performances. Let us know if you’re interested in seeing a show during your stay. La Isla Acapulco is a high-end shopping mall, another destination our guests enjoy. We can also arrange a day (or several days) of surfing lessons for you. The waves are fairly calm and perfect for novice surfers.

Shares

Gordon graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He worked in the hotel and restaurant industry for 18 years and in 1988 he ultimately founded Ski Paradise in Acapulco, Mexico. A passionate water skier with 6 national titles, he has created Ski Paradise to unite his two passions: skiing and hospitality.

Comment: 1

My family and I just left Ski Paradise. Our friends (3 different couples) had been and referred us. I was the mom who had planned the trip with the family but was the non skier. I worried that I wouldn’t have anything to do. Well, I did everything that was mentioned and more! I went to the lake every morning and typically took photos of my family skiing, but in the afternoon I would go to the country club which was amazing, quiet and all of the employees were very attentive. Just what a mom needed. I had many other adventures that were incredible. I went shopping on their “Black Friday” at the mall it was really nice. The group went to watch the cliff divers one night, and I watched my family take surfing lessons one afternoon. One of the highlights of the trip was walking across the street from the lake, to release newly hatched sea turtles into the ocean! It was breathtaking to watch and I highly recommend it considering that only about 20% of the eggs that are laid and after they hatch that the turtles even make it into the ocean. We went out to dinner down town at night, and some of the thrill seekers in the group even went bungee jumping that evening, They also taught my daughter what a Chinese fire drill was. The most memorable event was our impulse decision to go see a Ricky Martin concert! It was fabulous, the venue was beautiful, nothing like a concert in the states. A definite night to remember. While I was out on the adventures I couldn’t help but notice how SAFE I felt I was definitely with the locals on a lot on my excursions. Thanksgiving was an excellent meal with all of the trimmings. I didn’t miss anything, except the cooking, or cleaning. The villa was soon decorated for the holidays. Ski Paradise also made my 12 year old daughter feel like a part of the group. I could see her self confidence shine all week with her new “brothers”. She would ski all day and couldn’t wait to get to the Villa with the staff, it was her “most favorite vacation ever”. The coaches, Gordon, and Gabriella went out of their way to make her feel included. What else could a mom really ask for? Oh, and for a few dollars the maids did our laundry! Now it’s back to reality, but I wanted to thank Gordon, Gabriella, Tevan, Jim, and all of the staff at Ski Paradise for a wonderful non skiers vacation.